Rhonchi 3531521 198230613 2008-03-14T17:28:12Z Viper875 3797985 added links to related pages {{SignSymptom infobox | Name = Rhonchi | ICD10 = R09.8 | ICD9 = {{ICD9|786.7}} |}} '''Rhonchi''' is the "coarse rattling sound somewhat like snoring, usually caused by secretion in bronchial airways". Rhonchi is the plural form of the singular word '''"rhonchus"'''. ==Description== It is an abnormal or adventitious sound heard when listening to the chest as the person breathes. They are present when an airway is partially obstructed owing to secretions, mucosal swelling, or tumor tissue pressing on the passage. The sounds are gurgling noises heard on [[auscultation]] of the [[lungs]] with a [[stethoscope]] during [[inhalation]] or [[exhalation]]. The sounds are caused by the flow of air through thick mucous secretions in the larger air passages such as the [[bronchioles]] but can also be associated with smaller structures such as the [[alveoli]]. Rhonchi can be heard in patients with [[COPD|chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD) and acute or severe [[bronchitis]]. COPD is an all inclusive syndrome that stems from the reduction of surface area associated with [[emphysema]] and the production of mucous secretions, [[bronchospasm]] and [[inflammation]] associated with bronchitis. Other tools used in auscultation include listening for [[egophony]], [[whispered pectoriloquy]], [[rales]], [[rhonchi]] or [[wheezing]]. Also, [[Percussion (medicine)|percussion]] is often used to determine diseases of the chest. ==See also== * [[Rales]] * [[Asthma]] * [[Wheeze]] [[Category:Medical signs]] {{med-sign-stub}} [[de:Rhonchus]] [[ja:類鼾音]]